More recommended shows from our music writers, who never need a bye week:

THURSDAY

Arturo “Sauce” Gonzalez Quintet at Joe Blue's. This long-running residency consistently offers one of the best nights of jazz, be-bop, R&B and Chicano blues around, not to mention the good-time vibe. Gonzalez draws on his love of jazz that dates back to his days with the Sunliners. Rounding out the band is trumpeter Al Gomez, bassist Joe Sarli, saxophonist Richard Garcia and drummer Kevin Hess. Gonzalez has a busy weekend. Friday, he rounds up the West Side Horns at Olmos Bharmacy. Sunday, he joins Jimmy Spacek, Bobby Mack, Ernie Garibay and T-Bone Bland at Sam's Burger Joint.

Beverly Houston's salute to Motown at Shrine Auditorium (901 N. Loop 1604 W., 6:30 p.m., $60). With her band, Breezin', singer deluxe Houston will sing everything from jazz to gospel and back. She likes humans, and gets along with all kinds. But she has a soft spot for animals. So Houston and company will dig deep into the Motown book to benefit CARE, Cressie Animal Rescue & Enrichment (www.caretx.org), an organization dedicated to saving the lives of dogs and cats in S.A. This gathering is billed as “Cocktails, Couture & Canines” and will include a dog fashion show and a business mixer.

Doc Watkins Trio at Luna. Doc Watkins, Brent Watkins, a bona-fide doctor of musical arts, knows his way around keyboards, classical, jazz and more. During his Thursday residency at Luna, Watkins plays Hammond B-3 organ, and he and his trio concentrate on soul jazz a la Jimmy Smith and Dr. Lonnie Smith. For another side of Watkins, try Bohanan's on Friday and Saturday where Watkins does straight-ahead jazz (with regional twists) with the South Texas Jazz Quartet.

The Wagoneers at Luckenbach. This is one of the rare shows by the Austin quartet that came on like wildfire in the late 1980s with its retro take on honky-tonk. The reunion last year also sparked a new CD, “The Essential Wagoneers.” 8 p.m.

Gary Davenport at Boneshakers. Singer-songwriter and rock 'n' roller comes from the same tradition of record store shopkeepers and music fans that followed their muse as Patti Smith and Alejandro Escovedo. Check out Davenport tracks “Excess of Empire” and “Dragon Dreams.” Also on the bill are Jasper's Cast and Broken Buffalo.

Jay Perez at Graham Central Station. Tejano star known to his fans as “The Voice,” returns to Graham's fresh off news that his latest album, “The Voice of Authority” (Tejas Records) was nominated for a Latin Grammy. Sunday, the nightclub presents Coahuila, Mexico's, youthful cumbia kings Grupo Massore, who celebrate a new CD. Their motto is “cumbia is money.” Also performing are Joe Vic Reyna y Los Kumbacheros and Ilyssa.

Language Room, Courier, The Hope at Stay at 502 Bar. Guitarist, singer and songwriter Todd Sapio and guitarist Scott Graham met in Los Angeles. About five years ago, each moved to Austin where they met up by chance. Graham's brother Matt joined the band on bass, and Sean Hill plays drums. The alt/indie rock quartet is working with a new EP, “Skin & Heart & Lungs.”

SATURDAY

Tameca Jones & Dan Dyer at Carmens de la Calle. This one is billed as “R&B Unplugged.” Austin singer Jones moves easily among soul, jazz, R&B and blues. Singer/songwriter Dyer, singer with Breedlove back in the day, now concentrates on writing, playing and singing acoustic music with an R&B foundation. Dyer plays piano and guitar and sings beautifully. He and Jones make a good team.

Tommy Elskes at Lions Field Activity Center (7 p.m.). This Urban Campfires show features a quintessential troubadour. A singer and songwriter with a great voice, and a repertoire that includes originals and well-thought out covers, Elskes counts Lyle Lovett and other fine songwriters as fans. $15 advance, $18 at the door. Call 210-824-1068 for reservations.

The In and Outlaws at 502 Bar. The fledgling Alamo Beard Club is getting serious with a multifaceted night that'll feature the crazed honky-tonk of the In and Outlaws and the “Battle of the Beards” contest. On top of that, it's a benefit for the West Side Dog Initiative with the $5 cover going to the cause. Contest registration starts at 7 p.m. Categories include full beard, mustache, goatee, partial beard, most creative, best groomed, women's (fake) beard and best of show. Let the hirsute activities commence.

Stephanie Urbina Jones, Chris Wall at Luckenbach. Jones will perform her Oktober Fiesta complete with mariachis, flamenco dancers and her blend of Latin and country tunes at a no-cover show at 1 p.m. Wall, the noted country singer/songwriter who penned the Confederate Railroad hit “Trashy Women,” will play the dance at 9 p.m.

SUNDAY

The All-American Rejects, Boys Like Girls at Backstage Live. Oklahoma power-pop band turned heads when it shook the Freeman Coliseum in 2006 with Gym Class Heroes. Back then the Rejects were touting MTV “Total Request Live” hits “Dirty Little Secret” and “Move Along.” The band returns to S.A. with its ambitious latest album, “Kids in the Street.” The new single is “Walk Over Me.” Multi-platinum co-headliner (and Taylor Swift pals) Boys Like Girls are promoting “Crazy World.” Rounding out the bill is The Ready Set.

Mario Flores & The Soda Creek Band at John T. Floore Country Store. Flores will sing tunes from his new CD, “I Didn't Pick This Life,” at the fifth annual PAWS on the Patio, a fundraiser for the Helotes Humane Society, at 6 p.m.

Brent Lowak Benefit at Tejas Rodeo in Bulverde. The Smithson Valley High School graduate was seriously wounded in the movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colo. The live music event and silent auction aims to raise funds for medical expenses. Music begins at 11:30 a.m. with Cool Like Roy followed by the Court Jesters at 1:30 p.m. and Clearwater band from 4-8 p.m. Tickets cost $10; $5 children 11-3, free ages 2 and younger. Call (830) 980-2226 or go to www.tejasrodeo.com.

MONDAY

The Georges at Sam's Burger Joint. Revved-up rockabilly band from San Marcos will play the weekly Swing Night at Sam's. Wednesday, they will be at Gruene Hall.

WEDNESDAY

The Independents, Evil Come Evil Go, Raging Saints, Sideline Rookies at The Korova. For 20 years, The Independents have been rolling out of South Carolina with a horror/punk/rock/ska sound designed to separate the weak from the strong of ear. Songs such as “Vampirella,” Bleeding in the Streets,” “Dolemite” and “Poison Ivy” set the all-out tone.